Full Name: James Sofasonke Mpanza
Date of Birth: 15 May 1889
Place of Birth: Georgedale, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Date of Death: 23 September 1970
Place of Death: Orlando, Soweto, South Africa
Profession: Community Leader, Social Activist, Politician
Nicknames: Maghebula. Maminzela
Notable Contributions: Founder of Sofasonke Party, Leader of the 1944 Land Occupation, Founder of Orlando Pirates FC, Catalyst in the Creation of Soweto
Early Life and Background
James Sofasonke Mpanza was born on 15 May 1889 in Georgedale, KwaZulu-Natal. His father, Ventile Mbihlana Mpanza, was an ox cart driver, and his mother, Evelyn, worked as a domestic worker. Despite growing up under difficult conditions, Mpanza demonstrated early leadership and resilience.
Education and False Imprisonment
He attended Georgedale Primary School and later earned a third-class teaching certificate from Indaleni in Natal. In 1912, at age 23, he was wrongfully convicted of fraud and sentenced to life in prison. While incarcerated, he underwent a religious conversion, became a Christian preacher, and emerged with renewed purpose.
He was released in 1927 and resumed work as a teacher in Pretoria, later moving to Johannesburg in 1934, where he began his journey as a legendary activist.
Founding of the Sofasonke Party
In 1935, Mpanza formed the Sofasonke Party, which championed better housing for Black South Africans in Johannesburg. His fiery speeches, often delivered while riding horseback through the streets of Orlando, earned him admiration and the nickname “Father of Soweto.”
1944 Land Occupation and Birth of Soweto
In April 1944, Mpanza led 8,000 landless people to occupy vacant land outside Orlando. They built a settlement named Sofasonke Township, which ballooned to over 20,000 residents by 1946. This bold act of defiance spotlighted the severe housing crisis in Johannesburg and forced authorities to begin formal urban planning for Black South Africans—eventually leading to the creation of Soweto.
Political Repression and Legal Victory
In 1946, Mpanza was forcibly removed and deported to Natal, but he won his appeal and triumphantly returned. He continued advocating for urban land rights and was instrumental in supporting the formation of the Soweto Urban Bantu Council in the 1960s.
Founding Orlando Pirates Football Club
In 1937, Mpanza established the Orlando Boys’ Club to uplift the youth in his community. In 1939, this youth initiative officially became the Orlando Pirates Football Club.
His support and leadership were foundational to the club’s formation, and today Orlando Pirates is one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in Africa.
Orlando Pirates is affectionately known to its supporters as EzkaMagebhula, after his nickname and the Orlando Stadium is fondly called Esgodini sikaMaminzela after his clan name.
Death and Legacy
James Sofasonke Mpanza died on 23 September 1970 in Orlando, Soweto. His legacy is visible across:
– The Orlando Pirates Football Club
– The streets and highways named in his honor
– His pivotal role in founding Soweto, now home to millions
He remains a symbol of dignity, defiance, and development.
Summary Profile
Name: James Sofasonke Mpanza
Born: 15 May 1889, Georgedale, KwaZulu-Natal
Died: 23 September 1970, Orlando, Soweto
Profession: Activist, Educator, Politician
Notable Roles:
– Founder of Sofasonke Party (1935)
– Leader of the 1944 Land Occupation
– Creator of Sofasonke Township
– Pioneer of Soweto’s development
– Founder of Orlando Pirates Football Club (1939)
